margin-call

Noun

(plural margin calls)

(finance) Request by a stockbroker or similar for the client to deposit more money in order to cover losses that have built up in open positions held on margin (rather than having been paid for in full).

2005: If we do issue a margin call, we may give you a limited time to satisfy the call. "” TIAA-CREF Brokerage Services

margin call - Investment & Finance Definition

A
demand made of a customer of a stock brokerage or futures commission merchant
firm to add more money into his or her account. Margin calls are made in order
to bring investors’ accounts up to a minimum level. This happens when the price
of a stock, futures contract, or other security declines after it has been
purchased on margin. In the futures market, a clearinghouse also may make a
call asking the member to increase the amount of money on deposit.